Brodzinski Wins it for Reign in Game 1

Apr 22, 2016

San Jose, CA – Forward Jonny Brodzinski scored the game-winning goal late in the third period to give the Ontario Reign (1-0) a 2-1 win over the San Jose Barracuda (0-1) in Game 1 of the Pacific Division Semifinals Friday night at SAP Center. The Reign lead the best-of-five series 1-0.

Reign defenseman Kurtis MacDermid broke the scoreless tie midway through the second period blasting a pass from Nic Dowd under the blocker of Barracuda netminder Aaron Dell (L, 35 saves on 37 shots) at 9:53. The Reign continued to pepper Dell with chances and finished with 13 shots in the period and a 25-23 advantage through two frames.

The Barracuda responded at 6:17 of the third period as forward Nikita Jevpalovs slipped shot past the stick of Reign goalie Peter Budaj (W, 28 saves on 29 shots) from the right-wing circle. With the clock winding down, Reign forward Brett Sutter forced a turnover in the left-wing corner and spun a backhanded pass to the top of the crease to Brodzinski for the tally with 4:03 to play. With Dell pulled for the extra attacker, the Barracuda rifled numerous shots towards the Reign net, but Dowd and defenseman Vincent LoVerde provided timely blocks to preserve the win.

The Reign finished the game 0-for-2 on the power play while the Barracuda went 0-for-4.

Game 2 between the Reign and Barracuda is tomorrow, Saturday, April 23 at 7:30 p.m. at SAP Center. Listen to the action LIVE at OntarioReign.com!

2016 Calder Cup Playoff tickets are ON SALE NOW! Grab your favorite seats for all the hard-hitting postseason action as the Reign chase a Calder Cup Championship! The Reign host Game 3 of the opening round on Thursday, April 28 at 7:00 p.m. at Citizens Business Bank Arena. If necessary, Game 4 is Friday, April 29 at 7:00 and Game 5 is Sunday, May 1 at 3:00 p.m. Buy Tickets